Abstract: A composition for use as fertilizer includes cement kiln dust and animal manure. The content of cement kiln dust and animal manure in the composition is selected as a function of either weight or volume. The content of cement kiln dust is greater than or equal to the content of animal manure. The fertilizer composition is formed by mixing the cement kiln dust and animal manure at ambient temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A mushroom growing appliance includes a grow chamber defined within a cabinet and a climate control system for regulating the humidity and gas concentrations within the grow chamber. The climate control system includes a water reservoir positioned within the grow chamber for receiving water; a wicking filter positioned at least partially within the water reservoir for wicking the water into the wicking filter; a water supply system comprising a water storage tank that is mounted adjacent the cabinet above the water reservoir, the water storage tank fluidly coupled to the water reservoir through a water supply opening defined through the cabinet; a recirculation fan positioned adjacent the wicking filter for selectively urging a flow of recirculation air through the wicking filter and back into the grow chamber; and a fresh air fan positioned adjacent the wicking filter for urging a flow of fresh air through the wicking filter and into the grow chamber.

Abstract: A formulation is especially suited as one or more of an insecticide, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungicide as well as one that acts as a fertilizer and/or an enhancement to a fertilizer when the formulation is coated thereon. The formulation can be used to treat plants for pest control and/or fertilization or other areas in that require a viral, fungal, and/or bacterial treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel thermoplastically processible polyurethane polymer having a hardness of ?60 Shore A, to compositions containing this polyurethane polymer, to the uses thereof and to articles containing this polyurethane polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an indoor farming management system comprising at least one sensor; a central processing unit arranged in signal communication with the at least one sensor; a device adapted to operate between an operative state and a non-operative state; the central processing unit is operable to control at least one indoor environmental parameter of a farming system based on data received from the sensor; the central processing unit further operable to send a control signal to the device to operate the device between the operative state and the non-operative state.

Abstract: Device for delivering at least a layer of compost and casing soil to a shelving for growing mushrooms, comprising a first conveyor, on which in a downstream direction are arranged a first hopper with a receiving opening for receiving compost and a dispensing opening for delivering a compost layer on the first conveyor and a second hopper with a receiving opening for receiving casing soil and a dispensing opening for delivering casing soil on the compost layer wherein at least one separator for separating in a direction perpendicular to the downstream direction at least two fractions of the layer of compost with casing soil.

Abstract: Systems and methods for employment in a Zero Waste (ZW) treatment system are disclosed. The ZW treatment system includes a ZW process employing the following individual processes: a separation and extraction process, a blend-heat process, a hydrolysis and acidification process, first-in, first-out (FIFO) anaerobic digestion process, an aerobic boost-blend process, and smart delivery process. A separation and extraction system, a blend-heat system, hydrolysis and acidification system, and a FIFO system performing the ZW treatment process may include a variety of tanks, where each tank may be placed in an enclosure comprising a modular container which, in turn, comprises a modular container system designed for mobility and transportable to remote sites as part of the smart delivery process.

Abstract: The present application relates to an iron impregnated biochar and its use as a fertilizer. The iron impregnated biochar of the present application has a ratio of iron (III) to iron (II) ranging from 5:1 to 10:1. The biochar may be produced by a method including treating the biomass with an iron (II) ion solution, pyrolyzing the iron (II)-treated biomass in an oxidative environment and recovering the biochar product from the pyrolyzed iron (II)-treated biomass.

Abstract: A mushroom growing appliance includes a grow chamber defined within a cabinet and a climate control system for regulating the humidity and gas concentrations within the grow chamber. The climate control system includes a water reservoir positioned within the grow chamber for receiving water, a wicking filter positioned at least partially within the water reservoir for wicking the water into the wicking filter, a recirculation fan positioned adjacent the wicking filter for selectively urging a flow of recirculation air through the wicking filter and back into the grow chamber, and a fresh air fan positioned adjacent the wicking filter for urging a flow of fresh air through the wicking filter and into the grow chamber.

Abstract: An organic growth substrate, which supports mushroom growth from an inoculum of the species to be grown, is disposed within a growing apparatus impervious to microbiological contamination from an external environment and operationally associated with an environmental control apparatus. The environmental control apparatus modulates air, water, thermal, and light inputs to, and outputs from, one or more growing apparatuses to establish and maintain the desired environment within the growing apparatus. The system operates via a plurality of sensing, digital processing and mechanical components governed by software algorithms and operator input. A lyophilizer freeze dries harvested mushrooms for storage stability purposes. The system is configured to exchange information with the operator via a user interface and wireless connection to remote devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a synergistic mixture of urease inhibitor and nitrification inhibitor for the treatment of urea-containing fertilizers, more particularly having an improved urease-inhibitory effect, to the use thereof, and to urea-containing fertilizers comprising said mixture.

Abstract: A method of producing phosphoric acid from at least one mineral containing phosphate and an element which is calcium, magnesium, iron, or aluminum. The method includes contacting the at least one mineral (or a combination of them) with a cation exchanger for a time and at a temperature sufficient to yield phosphoric acid from the mineral.

Abstract: A method and system reprocess soiled animal bedding material commingled with animal manure. In one aspect the soiled animal bedding material is separated in a shaker to send at least a preponderance of the manure to a holding tank. In another aspect the bedding is cleaned, rinsed and color is restored. The bedding material is subsequently dried and a bedding product, fertilizer product, and/or compacted product is formed. Alternatively, the bedding material is dried (without a compacting step) to form a product. In yet another aspect, the steps of separation, cleaning, rinsing and/or color restoration may be omitted.

Abstract: A fertilizer derived from an organic source and a method of making are provided. The fertilizer of the present invention advantageously has a nitrogen content greater than 4%. The method of making the fertilizer also produces potable water.

Abstract: The present specification describes increasing the Brix degree, nutrient transport and density, and yields of cannabis crops through the application of photoacoustic resonance to a nutrient formulation. An activated nutrient solution is obtained by forming an unactivated nutrient solution and applying to the unactivated nutrient solution ultra-rapid impulses of modulated laser light, from one or more laser systems. An increase of at least 5% in the Brix degree of the crop, relative to an unactivated nutrient formulation, can be achieved. In addition, an increase of at least 5%, relative to an unactivated nutrient formulation, is seen with respect to nutrient density and crop yield through application of the activated nutrient solution.

Abstract: Systems and methods suitable for growing, identifying, and tracking plugs and plants using radio-frequency identification (RFID) devices, as well as methods for making such systems. Such a method includes providing a biodegradable pot assembly and a non-biodegradable RFID module. The pot assembly has an assembly basewall and assembly sidewalls contiguous with the assembly basewall to define a cavity within the pot assembly. The RFID module is embedded within the assembly basewall, has openings therethrough, and comprises an RFID device configured to communicate with an RFID reader and store information identifying the pot assembly. The roots of a seedling grown in a growing medium within the pot assembly grow through and entangle the RFID module. Data is stored on the RFID device to identify the seedling, and an RFID reader is used to communicate with the RFID device to receive the data from the RFID device and identify the seedling.

Abstract: A fertilizer derived from an organic source and a method of making are provided. The fertilizer of the present invention advantageously has a nitrogen content greater than 4%. The method of making the fertilizer also produces potable water.

Abstract: Methods of producing a treated gas by removing nitrogenous compounds are disclosed. Methods of recovering nitrogenous compounds from a gas stream are disclosed. Methods of producing a fertilizer product from organic waste are disclosed. The methods may include introducing a gas stream having nitrogenous compounds into a nitrogenous liquid containing a salt of ammonia to absorb the nitrogenous compounds in the liquid and produce a treated gas. The methods may also include controlling the pH of certain solutions or introducing an oxidant into certain solutions to produce nitrogen ions. Systems for removing nitrogenous compounds including a reaction subsystem, an oxidation control subsystem, a dissolved solids concentrator, and a recirculation line are also disclosed. The systems may be employed to remove nitrogenous compounds from a gas stream, recover the nitrogenous compounds from the gas stream, or produce a fertilizer product from the recovered nitrogenous compounds.

Abstract: Methods of producing a treated gas by removing nitrogenous compounds are disclosed. Methods of recovering ammonia from a gas stream having nitrogenous compounds are disclosed. Methods of producing a fertilizer product from organic waste are disclosed. The methods may include introducing aqueous sulfurous acid into a gas stream having nitrogenous compounds to absorb the nitrogenous compounds in a liquid and produce a treated gas. The methods may also include maintaining the pH of certain solutions above 5 or introducing an oxidant into certain solutions to produce sulfate ions. Systems for removing nitrogenous compounds including a reaction subsystem, a solids-liquid separator, a temperature control subsystem, an oxidation control subsystem, and a recirculation line are also disclosed. The systems may be employed to remove nitrogenous compounds from a gas stream, recover the ammonia from the gas stream, or produce a fertilizer product from the recovered ammonia.

Abstract: Moisture barrier coatings and sealants comprised of mixtures of organic wax and wax soluble polymer dispersed into one or more components of a thermoset polymer which may form a semi-interpenetrating polymer network when the thermoset polymer is subsequently cured on the substrate. The organic wax and wax soluble polymer substantially improve the moisture barrier properties of the thermoset polymer and provides an effective moisture barrier coating that is non-tacky at the cure temperature of the thermoset polymer, without the requirement for a cooling step.

Abstract: A fertilizer composition comprises an inorganic fertilizer particle, a first layer disposed on the inorganic fertilizer particle, and a second layer disposed on the first layer wherein the first layer comprises biomaterial and the second layer comprises phosphoric acid, ammonium polyphosphate, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. A method of making the fertilizer composition is also described herein.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the treatment of animal waste are disclosed, together with a treated animal waste and fertilizer and growth media products derived therefrom.

Abstract: A composition of one or more farm animal waste streams is made by bio-digesting the stream and then granulizing it, the granulized product being in a range of 0.1 to 0.5 inches in diameter and having a moisture content no greater than 15% or, more preferably, no greater than 7%. The method for making the composition includes the steps of (i) processing the farm animal waste stream in a bio-digester and (ii) granulizing the bio-digested farm animal waste stream. The bio-digester is preferably at a high temperature in a range of 160° to 180° F. The bio-digested farm animal waste stream can be mixed with a binding material such as coal-ash, sawdust, or an equivalent. The composition can then be applied sub-surface using a box or air seeder.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of a micronized sulphur powder product as well as a micronized sulphur cake intermediate. Production of the micronized sulphur powder using this process, which comprises preparation of a micronized sulphur emulsion from molten sulphur and a dispersant solution, from which the dispersant solution is subsequently removed, produces a product superior quality, and the method of production itself has enhanced safety and economic attributes.

Abstract: An adhesive composition is described which has improved initial tack, long-term adhesion, water uptake and translucency characteristics and may be prepared by melt extrusion. Uses of these compositions are also described, for example, their use as blister pads and wound dressings.

Abstract: A method for sterilization of pathogenic waste includes steps of introducing animal tissues, carcasses or parts, pathogenic waste, or by-products of slaughter or processing into an unpressurized vessel, adding NaOH and KOH in a ratio of about 2.2 to 2.3:1, adding water sufficient to create a 1.5 to 1.6 Molar solution, such that the tissue to water ratio is about 1:1.5, heating the vessel indirectly to near but below the boiling point of the solution, holding the temperature for about 16-20 hours, while continuously agitating the contents of the vessel, displacing the solution volume in the reaction vessel about every 2-3 minutes. Optimally, the tissue is introduced into the vessel first, then dry NaOH and KOH, and finally water. The end product is a homogenous, aqueous solution that is sterile, pathogen-free and suitable for land application or mixing directly into manure retention vessels, prior to land application of the mixture.

Abstract: The invention is directed to processes for treating biosolids that result in high-value, nitrogen-containing, slow-release, organically-augmented inorganic fertilizer that are competitive with less valuable or more costly conventional commercially manufactured fertilizers. The process involves conditioning traditional waste-water biosolids and processing the conditioned biosolids continuously in a high throughput manufacturing facility. The exothermic design and closed loop control of the primary reaction vessel decreases significantly the amount of power necessary to run a manufacturing facility. The process utilizes green technologies to facilitate decreased waste and enhanced air quality standards over traditional processing plants. The fertilizer produced from recovered biosolid waste is safe and meets or exceeds the United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) Class A and Exceptional Quality standards and is not subject to restrictions or regulations.

Abstract: The invention is directed to manufacture of fertilizer having commercial levels of nitrogen supplemented with organic substances. The process treats organic matter with acid causing hydrolysis of organic polymers after which the mix is injected with nitrogen. The resultant sterilized and liquefied organic matter is disbursed over recycled material for the production of granules. Because the process allows for the controlled addition of acids and ammonia, desired levels of components can be achieved. The process is scalable, odor controlled and safe thereby allowing for the location of biosolid processing facilities in most any location. Further, the fertilizer of the invention provides a dual nitrogen-release profile when applied to crops. After application to soil, fertilizer of the invention releases an immediate bolus of nitrogen, similar to traditional ammonium sulfate, followed by continued slow release of nitrogen typically over a season.

Abstract: A system, and method for removing contaminants from wastewater is disclosed. The system may include a first tank of a plurality of tanks containing zeolite material selected to capture and retain contaminants in the wastewater to produce treated water. At least one sensor associated with the first tank may be configured to detect a concentration of contaminants in the treated water. A control means is communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor, and is configured to direct the flow of the produced water to a second tank of the plurality of tanks based on the detected concentration of the treated water.

Abstract: A chemical extractant selected from solutions of K2SO4 and/or Na2SO4 can be used by contacting with untreated broiler litter to selectively and efficiently remove phosphorous from the broiler litter. The broiler litter and extractant solution mixture, after a suitable time, can be separated, such as by filtration. The resulting treated broiler litter is thus significantly lower in P content without being lower by an undesirable amount in more preferred minerals. The treated litter so obtained is suitable for crop soil augmentation. Further, phosphorous can be thereafter precipitated in the form of phytic acid. Since the precipitate is high in mineral content, it can be used for other purposes (e.g., plant food, etc.).

Abstract: A composition comprising at least one nutrient element, wherein the at least one nutrient element possesses a relative energy-state value greater than the relative energy-state value of the at least one nutrient element in a preexisting state, the composition being effective, perhaps because of the greater energy-state value, to improve the ability of a soil, when combined with the composition, to support plant growth better than the soil, when not combined with the composition. Also a composition comprising at least one nutrient element, wherein the composition possesses an energy spectrum more positive than the energy spectrum of the composition in a preexisting state, the composition being effective, perhaps because of the more positive energy spectrum, to improve the ability of a soil, when combined with the composition, to support plant growth better than the soil, when not combined with the composition.

Abstract: A system and method of forming high nutritional fertilizer form swine feces in a reservoir underneath a swine facility. A pump system has a pump that conveys the feces to a remote location where the swine feces first goes through a filter and then into a treatment tank. The treatment tank has sugars or carbohydrates therein that combine with oxygen provided by a aerating device within the treatment tank and ammonia produced by the swine feces to create byproducts, including proteins having high nutritional value that is used for fertilizing plants and animals.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fluid ionized compositions, such as fluid calcium cyanamide fertilizer compositions, methods of preparation and uses thereof. In some examples, a fluid composition includes a mixture of about 40 to 20 parts of dissolved acid or acid-formed approximately neutral pH nitrogen plant nutrient compounds (such as urea ammonium nitrate and H2O) and about 1 to about 5 parts of a mixture of insoluble or weakly soluble high pH calcium-formed plant nutrient compounds (such as calcium cyanamide and H2O). The disclosed compositions and methods stabilize the compositions' contained active nutrient ions and digested carbon. The disclosed compositions and methods facilitate controllable site-directed delivery of the contents of the compositions. The compositions and methods are effective for microbes nourishment plant fertilizing, soil amending, heavy metals leaching inhibition and, digesting organic proteinaceous excreta.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for treating organic-containing sludges and converting such sludges to high value fertilizers containing both inorganic and organic fertilizer components, which creates an inorganically-augmented bioorganic fertilizer. The invention describes methods to create a thixotropic or paste-like material via the application of mixing energy to the organic sludge followed by an alkaline treatment and a subsequent ammoniation. The invention further describes a method to increase the plant nutrient content in the organic containing product to a level which permits the finished granular fertilizer product to compete in the commercial agricultural fertilizer marketplace. Further, the invention reduces odors associated with said organic-containing sludges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiplexing a plurality of streams transmitted and received via an audio/video (AV) link by allocating to the plurality of streams a plurality of basic units included in a transmission unit, and generating and transmitting an additional plurality of transmission units.

Abstract: A seed composition comprising a seed and a first component comprising an agriculturally acceptable complex mixture of dissolved organic material characterized by natural organic matter that is partially humified and methods of seed treating. A method comprising contacting a seed with a first component comprising an agriculturally acceptable complex mixture of dissolved organic material characterized by natural organic matter that is partially humified, where the first component enhances at least one of germination, emergence, root development, seedling vigor, seedling growth, mortality resistance, chlorophyll production, cold resistance, water log resistance, and nutrient uptake compared to similar seed not contacted with the first component.

Abstract: A method of altering the composition of animal waste including introducing internally to an animal one or more treatment substances that can directly or indirectly affect the conversion of nitrogen containing compounds in animal waste, such that animal waste acts as a carrier so that the one or more substances affect the conversion of nitrogen containing compounds once the waste has been excreted from the animal.

Abstract: Animal waste is processed to form a biomaterial that is employed as a coating layer for typical fertilizer particles. The biomaterial coating layer can be used neat or with additives and serves to do one or more or any combination of the following: (a) impart a slow or controlled release property to the fertilizer, (b) prevent or reduce the tendency of the fertilizer particles to cake together, or (c) prevent or reduce the tendency of the fertilizer particles to create dust. The biomaterial coating layer can also release nutrients when used as part of a fertilizer composition.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods, devices, and systems for pyrolyzing biomass. A pyrolysis unit can be used for the pyrolysis of biomass to form gas, liquid, and solid products. The biomass materials can be selected such that an enhanced biochar is formed after pyrolysis. The biomass can be pyrolyzed under specified conditions such that a selected biochar core is formed. The pyrolysis process can form a stable biochar core that is inert and/or resistant to degradation. The biochar or biochar core can be functionalized to form a functionalized biochar or functionalized biochar core. Functionalization can include post-pyrolysis treatments such as supplementation with microbes or physical transformations including annealing and/or activation.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for treating organic-containing sludges and converting such sludges to high value fertilizers containing both inorganic and organic fertilizer components, which creates an inorganically-augmented bioorganic fertilizer. The invention describes methods to create a thixotropic or paste-like material via the application of mixing energy to the organic sludge followed by an alkaline treatment and a subsequent ammoniation. The invention further describes a method to increase the plant nutrient content in the organic containing product to a level which permits the finished granular fertilizer product to compete in the commercial agricultural fertilizer marketplace. Further, the invention reduces odors associated with said organic-containing sludges.

Abstract: An environment is moderated in an area where animal wastes are collected in a fluid containing compartment. Animal wastes are collected in a fluid containing compartment. The animal wastes are of the type that generate or provide in or above the fluid containing compartment at least one waste selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, mercaptans and organic acids. A combination is provided of i) a polymer capable of absorbing at least ten times its weight in water (preferably a superpolymer) and ii) a combination of salts that react to liberate I2. At least one waste is flocculated with liberated I2 (and any cations from the reactive salts) to form a flocculent that has reduced odor and reduced microbial content. The flocculent may be used as a fertilizer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to processes for treating biosolids that result in high-value, nitrogen-containing, slow-release, organically-augmented inorganic fertilizer that are competitive with less valuable or more costly conventional commercially manufactured fertilizers. The process involves conditioning traditional waste-water biosolids and processing the conditioned biosolids continuously in a high throughput manufacturing facility. The exothermic design and closed loop control of the primary reaction vessel decreases significantly the amount of power necessary to run a manufacturing facility. The process utilizes green technologies to facilitate decreased waste and enhanced air quality standards over traditional processing plants. The fertilizer produced from recovered biosolid waste is safe and meets or exceeds the United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) Class A and Exceptional Quality standards and is not subject to restrictions or regulations.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a protein and an isolated or purified amino acid product, and uses thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing an organic based fertilizer and usable water from animal waste includes the step of separating the animal waste into liquid waste and solid waste. The liquid waste is clarified to produce a supernatant and a sludge which is pressed into a filter cake. Ammonia is extracted from the supernatant to produce ammonium sulfate and an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution is filtered to produce a concentrate and water filtrate. The water filtrate may be used as drinking and washing water. The filter cake, ammonium sulfate, and concentrate may be used to supplement to the solid waste which is pelletized into the organic based fertilizer. In alternative embodiments a portion of the supernatant and aqueous solution may be used as a liquid fertilizer.

Abstract: A process for removing phosphorus from solid poultry or animal wastes involving (a) mixing solid poultry or animal wastes with water and acid at a pH lower that about 5.0 and higher than about 3.0 to form (i) a liquid extract that contains suspended solids of about 3.5 g/L and soluble phosphorus and (ii) a washed solid residue (having a N:P ratio of at least more than 4 expressed on an elemental basis), (b) separating the liquid extract from the washed solid residue to form separated liquid extract and separated washed solid residue, (c) mixing the separated liquid extract with an alkaline earth base to a pH of about 8.0 to about 11.0, (d) mixing the liquid extract with a flocculant to form (i) precipitated phosphorus solids with P2O5 content greater than about 10% and (ii) a liquid, and (e) separating the precipitated phosphorus solids from the liquid to form separated phosphorus solids and separated liquid. The process is conducted at a temperature greater than about 5° C. and less than about 50° C.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the treatment of livestock or poultry confinement facilities equipped with manure collection zones (e.g., a manure pit or litter), in order to reduce and mitigate the effects of gaseous ammonia within the facility. The treatment involves application of an aqueous mixture including a partial calcium salt of a maleic-itaconic copolymer and a partial ammonium salt of a maleic-itaconic copolymer. Preferably, the amount of the partial calcium salt copolymer is greater than the amount of the partial ammonium salt copolymer. The treatment methods provide prompt and lasting reductions in gaseous ammonia within the confinement facility.

Abstract: The method of the present disclosure includes providing an organic compost material, combining the organic compost material with a crop to be grown, heating the organic compost material, combining the organic compost material with water, and extracting an aqueous liquid comprising humic acid and fulvic acid. The organic compost material may include straw and manure and the straw and manure may be subjected to several days and/or weeks of aerobic composting. The crop may include a variety of plants, trees, vegetables, fruits and fungi. In one embodiment, the crop may include mushroom spores, mycelia, or mushrooms.

Abstract: Embodiments provide inorganic mineral chelated compositions, cobalt compounds and compositions, and treatment compositions, and methods of making and using them. Mineral chelated compositions and cobalt compounds have been shown to improve plant health, plant emergence, crop yield, and plant resistance to disease and drought. The compositions described herein can be applied directly to seeds, soil, or plants, or they can be incorporated with existing agricultural treatments and processes, reducing cost and time for farmers to implement the methods described herein. Accordingly, the compositions can be used as a seed treatment, or they can be broadcast on soil, tilled in soil, placed in-furrow, mixed with other fertilizers or chemicals, side-dressed in the field, used as foliar treatments, or combinations thereof. Such methods provide valuable micronutrients in a highly bioavailable form to plants and soil.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a protein and an isolated or purified amino acid product, and uses thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques and tools reduce pH drift downward in growth media triggered by plant growth or ammoniated fertilizers. Methods and compositions provide growing media with buffering potential to prevent pH drifts in the growing media. A compost composition has a buffering potential against pH changes. A carbonate index test provides information on a buffering potential of a compost composition. A growing medium includes a compost composition with a buffering potential to provide a stable pH that is conducive to plant growth in the growing medium.